Posted in Jiu Jitsu, Uncategorized, tagged Gracie Jiu Jitsu, self defense, valente brothers on June 18, 2016| Leave a Comment »
Friday Night Jiu Jitsu Philosophy Talks Are now Being Broadcast via Facebook.
Jiu Jitsu Philosophy talks are being shown on Facebook. In order to view, sign up for Facebook. Search for Valente Brothers. Like and follow. Broadcasts are through the Facebook app on Fridays at 8:00 pm. , Eastern Standard Time.
Also, another good resource of information about Jiu Jitsu philosophy can be found on the Valente Brothers YouTube channel.
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Purple Belt Blog, valente brothers on February 21, 2015| Leave a Comment »
Hi, the saga continues. Check out the new site, Miami Purple Belt Blog.
The web address is miamipurplebelt.wordpress.com
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged Gracie Jiu Jitsu, purple belt on December 19, 2014| Leave a Comment »
This week I put on the purple belt for the first time. Real or unreal, it seemed that I had more respect than as a blue belt. During class, I was consulted more on technique by the practice partner when trying to learn a new one. In the advanced class, during the circle drill, I was attacked with more aggression. It was a rougher practice since I was expected to handle more intensity. I felt more a part of the family and that I was rising to the new level. It was good being a purple belt.
Until I have the purple belt blog setup, I will use this blog then transfer the posts.
Posted in Jiu Jitsu, Uncategorized, tagged Gracie Jiu Jitsu, self defense on November 2, 2014| Leave a Comment »
This week in fundamental’s class on Monday, we reviewed the wall pin, knife defense to the heart area, Kimora from side mount. I realized mistakes made in timing such as in the wall pin and knife attack defense.
The wall pin. The attacker has the victim pinned on the wall by the shoulders. We were told to think of a Tug of war. When pinned, we were taught to push forward so that the aggressor would push back. When the aggressor pushes with a lot of force back, sliding on the wall was easier which helped execute the technique. Before, I wasn’t doing the setup very well.
Note to reader, never engage a person with a knife. If you could safely run away, run away. Any mistake could result in death or a bad injury.
Knife attack to heart defense. In being anxious, I had skipped a step from previous classes. After the knife hand was caught, the next part was securing the elbow. I wasn’t doing that. Being anxious, I wasn’t securing the elbow and going into a sloppy Kimora. A Kimora was a joint lock technique to dislocate or rupture an attacker’s shoulder. Without securing the elbow, the technique wasn’t very effective.
After reviewing the technique, step by step, I realized that once the knife hand was caught, I had a second to reach out to grab the elbow, I needed to slow down to make the grab, and execute the Kimora.
Kimora from side mount. Before the class, I didn’t have the background story. The aggressor was just thrown and your unable to get full mount, but end up in side mount. The professor demonstrated the technique starting from standing into a throw. The professor looked like he was smothering a fire with his body on the aggressor to secure the side mount pin. I thought that to be very effective and should be done like that after a throw. Pinned. Controlled. Patience. If the opponent used the arm to strike or push. If the arm was in the Kimora position. An L. Secure the arm in the Kimora lock. Scissor. Put leg over head. Lift. If not, don’t force any move.
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged Gracie Jiu Jitsu, helios. birthday, october 1st on October 3, 2014| 1 Comment »
October 1st was a good day. From now on, I believe that I will remember that October 1st is Helio Gracie’s birthday, without a reminder, and take time out of the day to give thanks and respect.
As usually, I made the morning fundamental class. It was clear that today was a special day, Helio Gracie’s Birthday. The professor spent time talking about Helio on the mat and we all enjoyed the practice. There was an official celebration at the school in the evening.
To finish the day, I read a great post which revealed the person Helio was, as follows:
” Helio believed that street fights were created by cowards. ”
” Helio believed that Jiu Jitsu could be applied to all aspects of life.”
” Helio believed that perfect technique could over come size and strength.”
” Helio believed he was better than no one and could learn from everyone.”
” Helio believed that Jiu Jitsu made us more tolerant, compassionate, and humble.”
” Helio believed that we should be practitioners of Jiu Jitsu but of efficiency.”
” Helio believed he was not a fighter, but a teacher who fought for what he believed in.”.
Thank you!
.
.
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged Gracie Jiu Jitsu, passing the guard on September 11, 2014| Leave a Comment »
This week in fundamentals, we learned how to pass the guard. I had struggled with this move during sparring, and I believe other blue belts struggle too. When sparring against an experienced jiu jitsu opponent, passing the guard shouldn’t be easy. Because I would aggressively try to force this move, I was triangle choked and arm bared. I know that when I was using to much strength, I wasn’t following jiu jitsu philosphy. Sometimes, I just couldn’t break the leg grip. What to do? I needed the legs to open in order to pass the guard. I should have stopped attacking and play defense. Posture back and make the opponent, whose in offense, the guard, make the moves. Strip the grip. Wait for them to open the legs then execute the move. This move would require some patience. Passing the guard wasn’t an easy move against a knowledgeable jiu jitsu opponent.
So, with Passing the guard technique, it was important to know of pre passing the guard strategy, defense against offense. Also, It wasn’t necessary to grab the collar duing passing the guard. Chopping the thighs was a safer technique and then stacking. I felt grabbing the collar was getting me choked out or stuck.
Remember:
1) Offense verses Defense. When in the opponent’s guard, make the opponent work a move. The more they attempted a move, the more likely the legs would open.
2) In a street fight, use strikes to the head to trick opening of legs. Pass the guard.
Posted in Uncategorized on August 30, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Posted in Jiu Jitsu, Uncategorized on August 10, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Learning Jiu Jitsu has not been easy. There have been weeks where I questioned my own sanity, what am I doing here? What life lessons have I learned?
So why am i doing this? As a kid, I wanted a black belt in judo which never happened. For now, I have the opportunity to study at a school that I have a lot of respect and trust. Simplified, Judo is a part of Jiu Jitsu. I still carry passion for judo and now for Jiu Jitsu.
Enthusiasm: 1. intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged back, bad posture, Gracie Jiu Jitsu on July 10, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Have you ever observed other peoples posture at Jiu Jitsu? I have noticed. Some good, fair, and bad. Bad posture will eventually cause back pain. It can be corrected.
Take a look at the picture of the guy in the blue shirt? Which posture do you have? Unfortunately, I have thoracic kyphosis but I am doing something about it. Hopefully you have good posture. Posture is important because it will prevent unnecessary back pain as you age and improve health.
Slouching stresses the spine in a way that is not natural. Rounded shoulders is bad for the back and can restrict lung capacity. It is caused by weak muscles in the back.
Sitting in a chair is the same as standing but without legs. The spine is straight not slouching.
If there is any doubt, I’m not doctor and recommend getting diagnosed by a professional.
.
..
Great article on how to develop good posture.
…
… You don’t have to be this guy!!!
Posted in Jiu Jitsu, Uncategorized, tagged Gracie Jiu Jitsu on July 3, 2014| Leave a Comment »
As I age, I realize that I can’t rely on power for much longer. Reliance needs to be on technique and mental clarity.
For the last couple of years, I would be able to handle three times a week but that fourth class, I would start feeling body aches. How can I increase training? I read on an MMA blog where they wrote about pacing themselves so they can train longer. I will test the pacing theory when I get back.
In the meantime, I’m working on flexibility, light cardio, push-ups and sit-ups. Breathing exercise, 10 breaths, in 15 secs, hold 15 sec, exhale 17 secs.
Supplements.
Glucosamine, joint health
Fish oil
Cayenne pepper pills, 40,000
Brazil nut, magnesium
journeyjjbluebelt 